Close to 1 500 suspects detained by LEAP officers in Cape town

 Western Cape Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) officers arrested close to 1 500 suspects for various crimes where they are deployed within three months. This included Delft, Gugulethu, Harare, Khayelitsha (Site B policing precinct), Kraaifontein, Mfuleni, Mitchells Plain, Nyanga, Philippi East, and Samora Machel. Other high crime areas in which they are deployed are Atlantis, Bishop Lavis and Hanover Park, and recently Lavender Hill, Steenberg and Grassy Park

Between 4 April 2022 and 3 July 2022, LEAP officers Searched 108 227 people. Of these 1 491 persons were arrested. Thirty-five were for the possession of an illegal firearm, 46 for the possession of illegal ammunition, 24 for the possession of an imitation firearm, 1 177 for the possession of drugs and 209 for the possession of dangerous weapons.

LEAP officers work alongside other law enforcement agencies, such as City of Cape Town Law Enforcement Agencies, Metro police and SAPS.

Western Cape police oversight and community safety MEC Reagen Allen commended LEAP officers for their efforts in executing arrests.

“The consistent efforts of the LEAP officers and being the extra boots on the ground, demonstrates the importance of visible policing. This is one of the most effective methods in combatting crime, particularly murder, which is the primary focus area of the LEAP deployment. The confiscation of the various weapons ensures that fewer people could potentially be harmed by guns, while the removal of drugs helps ensure that our people do not get addicted to illicit substances that leads to various crimes, including committing murder.”

“I’ve heard and seen in many communities how requests are made to deploy LEAP in their areas. These requests clearly shows that LEAP is visible and having an impact in crime prevention and detection. We have a long way to go, especially since our ultimate goal is to reduce the murder rate by 50% by 2029,” he added.

Allen encourage community members to come forward and report crime actions. “LEAP would never be able to combat crime by themselves and serves as a force multiplier to the SAPS and other law enforcement agencies. I’d therefore like to urge all sectors of society to join us and create safer communities. By doing this and continuing to work together, we’ll be able to achieve greater success.”

By Mitchum George and Everngelista Muza